In Loving Memory of Nelyrose Banaag

1/12/22 UPDATE: We are so grateful for each & everyone of you. We would like to send you thank you cards. Please e-mail your mailing address to: banfigfam at g mail , or send us your mailing address here. Thank you.

On December 10th 2021, we unexpectedly lost a beautiful, young girl so dear to our hearts. My eldest niece, Nelyrose Figueroa Banaag, just turned 21 years old on December 4th. She was born in San Francisco and eventually moved to Saint George, Utah with her family. Although she resided in Utah most of her life, her love for the City could never be topped...

 

As a student at Southern Utah University, Nely inspired to be a doctor and was set to proceed to medical school by next year.

Nely, also referred to as Belly by her loved ones, had 3 younger brothers: Brendan, Juanluis, Janren, and a younger sister, Elizen. Her parents, Jay-Ar and Brenda, were always so proud of her as she always excelled in academics and won various track and field races, and soccer games. She excelled so much in academics that she would sometimes take 20 units in her college semester which got her to be a year ahead closer to going to medical school. Her love for sports made her a daddy's girl as both were big fans of the Golden State Warriors, 49ers, San Jose Sharks, etc.

Nely was an adventurous and outgoing girl. She loved to travel and explore the world...whether it was to spontenously swim with sharks in the coast of Hawaii or successfully hike Angels Landing in Zion National Park as a novice hiker. She loved the ocean & also wanted to pursue marine biology. Because of her positive energy, she got along with everyone. She wasn't afraid to talk to strangers and get to know their stories. She had so many friends and was known to be the life of the party with her dorky and crazy attitude. She was also known to be super hardworking and was going to be promoted in her current job.

She was very creative -- with nail art, drawing, painting, creating wreaths by hand, graphic design, and even tattooing. She loved to create and gift them to her loved ones. She learned to snowboard and skateboard in the previous years and wanted to learn how to swim as one of her plans was to freely swim with the sharks in South Africa...as sharks were her favorite animal. She loved to collect keychains and rocks.

Nely had so much talent, so much to offer, and had a great, great life ahead of her… She was loved by so many people around the world. She was a brave girl that wasn't afraid of anything and she was so strong to continue fighting in this world. For that, I am proud of her great strength. She will be missed dearly by her big family around the world, from the Bay Area, SoCal, Philippines, Guatemala, etc. and the many, many friends she made throughout the years.

She was a big fan of the San Quentin State Prison. Her favorite podcast was Ear Hustle. She was passionate about the fair treatment of inmates due to her kind heart and wanted to volunteer in the prison when she was finally able to visit. She previously worked as a CNA as she loved to care for people. Even though she is my younger niece, I'll always look up to Nelyrose. She has inspired me in so many different ways, from doing well in school, working hard, being creative, and to be loving to everyone. And I'll never forget how she used to be Hannah Montana's and One Direction's biggest fan.




Nely was born an animal lover. As a baby, she instantly had a love for dogs. She encouraged people to adopt. She leaves behind two adopted cats, whom she named Meatballs and Spaghetti. Nely now resides in Heaven with her two cute bunnies, Taro and Mochi, and her favorite dogs, Remo and Millie.

We love and miss you so much, Nely Belly.

If you can, please donate however much to help pay for Nely’s funeral and service. Any amount is very much appreciated in this sudden time of need. Thank you for taking the time to read this and for taking the time to donate.